Small but significant changes land through this mid-cycle upgrade
Garmin has officially announced the Fenix 7 Pro series, with the mid-cycle update introducing an upgraded heart rate sensor, MIP display, and flashlight on all models.
Previously only available on the Fenix 7X, the built-in flashlight is now available on the Fenix 7S Pro, 7 Pro, and 7X Pro, with the case sizes retained for each edition.
As with the standard 7X, the light can be used to train safely in dark conditions, with a range of different intensities and effects available.
Get our verdict: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro review
Solar and Solar Sapphire editions are also returning, though the charging tech will now be included as standard on each model.
Aside from the solar panel and flashlight now appearing on all models, the case designs and sizes are essentially the same as the standard Fenix 7 range.
As we say, though there are a couple of more subtle changes here.
Improved HR accuracy and MIP display
Garmin is touting a next-generation MIP display that features a redesigned backlight, solar panel, and pixels.
It’s said the new display will improve indoor readability, brightness, and power efficiency, as well as adaptability in different lighting conditions, though the brighter and more vibrant AMOLED display is still reserved for the new Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) range.
There’s also the new ‘optimized’ heart rate sensor on the case’s rear.
It’s not entirely clear what’s changed here, though Garmin describes new sport-specific algorithms and enhanced optical sensors that should improve accuracy.
New Endurance Score & Hill Score metrics
A couple of new software features are debuting on the Fenix 7 Pro line, too.
The Endurance Score metric that was leaked recently makes the cut, with Garmin indicating this can be used to measure how easy it is to sustain prolonged efforts, with this personalized by taking a user’s VO2 Max, Acute Load, and Chronic Load into account.
Hill Score is also new, with this simply gauging how easy a user finds running uphill. This is measured by assessing running power on steep climbs and running endurance during long ascents, with this again crossed with VO2 Max data and training history.
Prices, colors, and availability details
All three of these models – Fenix 7 Pro, Fenix 7S Pro, and Fenix 7X Pro – are immediately available to buy, though the current waiting time is a few weeks for most colors and models.
As with the Fenix 7 series, there are also plenty of different configurations depending on whether you choose a Sapphire Solar Edition or the standard Solar Edition.
Compared: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro vs Fenix 7
At least at launch, the 7 Pro Solar and 7X Pro Solar will only be available in a black case/black band combination. However, the Solar Sapphire Edition of both case sizes can be chosen in either black/black or with a titanium case and sand/orange band.
Things are a little different for the 7S Pro. The Solar model is offered in a silver titanium case and dark grey band, while the Solar Sapphire Edition is available in gold/sand or black/black.
Prices begin at $799.99 / £749.99 for the 7S Pro Solar and range to $1,099 / £1,099 for the premium edition of the 7X Pro Solar Sapphire.